A BENDIGO apprentice plumber has been awarded a $3000 grant to further her education.
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Jacobie Welsh, a single mother from Epsom, started a pre-apprenticeship in plumbing at Bendigo TAFE in 2019.
She moved into her full apprenticeship with O'Brien Plumbing Bendigo last year.
Ms Welsh said she applied for the Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant on the encouragement of TAFE staff.
The 28-year-old said she was "shocked" to have received the the grant.
"I was so surprised," Ms Welsh said. "Then I just became real proud of myself. I thought of all of the people who would be really happy to hear about it
"It's insane. I didn't think it I would get it, but I thought there was no harm in trying."
Ms Welsh said as part of the award, she received a $1000 voucher for a store of her choosing to purchase tools and other equipment.
She said she would use the remaining $2000 to help with any school fees or expenses.
"It really made me think that I am doing a good job and I am more inspiring than I thought I was with being a female in the trade," Ms Welsh said.
The apprentice plumber encouraged other young women to get involved with plumbing and other trades.
"There's nothing stopping us from doing it besides ourselves," Ms Welsh said. "We can be as physically strong as guys and get just as messy as them.
"Just do it. There's no reason not to. It's great basic skills and skills that you will use for the rest of your life."
Rheem Australia chief operating officer Chris Taylor said the company wanted to highlight the great work happening in the plumbing industry.
"This year saw a large number of applications from all across Australia," Mr Taylor said.
"Our independent judging panel was extremely impressed with high calibre and diversity of applications, with more mature-age and female applications than we've seen in previous years.
"The applicants show a level of passion and commitment for this industry that gives us confidence in its future."
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Tara Cosoleto
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
